(First Tee – Silicon Valley Brings Home First-Ever NorCal Cup Title – Published 08/07/26) On July 27, 2026, six First Tee – Silicon Valley participants traveled to Del Rio Country Club in Modesto and made chapter history — winning the NorCal Cup for the first time, all while battling a scorching 95-degree day on a demanding course.
The NorCal Cup takes place every summer between the following First Tee Chapters – Central Valley, Tri-Valley, Silicon Valley, Contra Costa, Fresno, Greater Sacramento, San Joaquin, and San Francisco. All Northern California chapters are great partners with one another, and we turn to each other for assistance and collaboration. The NorCal Cup is a great opportunity for the chapter participants to represent their chapter, make new friends and compete in a fun tournament together.
Each team of 6 participants compete in a stroke play format. The team’s four best net scores count towards the final total. Thank you to Coach Manny and Coach Alex who coached and supported our team.
A special thank you to the host chapter and 2025 winner, First Tee Central Valley.
The Results
- Jesse J — Net 67
- Suri L — Net 69
- Dakota C — Net 70
- Ben H — Net 78
- Adam R — Net 87
- Brady S — Net 89
Suri turned in a standout individual performance, taking home both the gross overall award (74) and women’s low net honors (69).
More Than a Trophy
For Coach Alex Wrobel and the coaching staff, the win itself was only part of the story. What stood out most was how the players carried themselves on the course — leaning on the interpersonal and life skills FTSV works to instill in every participant.
Suri stepped up as team captain, helping every teammate stay relaxed before they even teed off. Ben and Jesse leaned on each other for encouragement and support throughout their round. Adam and Brady demonstrated perseverance and resilience. And Dakota brought her signature positivity to the day, lifting up not just her own teammate but her opponents as well.
“It was wonderful to see the lessons we teach on full display throughout the entire tournament,” Coach Manny shared.
In Their Own Words
Dakota found herself paired with two players she’d never played with before — a chance to put FTSV’s lessons into practice in real time.
“As someone who doesn’t often play with random people, this tournament provided an easier environment to push myself outside my comfort zone and utilize the interpersonal skills First Tee has taught me,” Dakota said.
Watching her teammates celebrate at the medal ceremony made the day one she won’t forget — though she noted she’d have walked away just as satisfied even without the win, simply for having represented her chapter well.
Suri described the tournament as a chance to connect with the wider First Tee community.
“I am very blessed to participate at the First Tee NorCal. Being given to opportunity to play at such a beautiful, well-kept course and getting to know other First Tee chapters has been very memorable. Every single First Tee participant showed up with a positive mindset and good golf etiquette. It is such an honor to represent Silicon Valley and to be the first ever Silicon Valley team to bring home the trophy because it has taught me another life lesson. Focus on the future, not the past.”
Adam credited his group’s energy — and a little karaoke — for making the round memorable.
“I had a great time participating in the NorCal Cup this week at Del Rio. I had a blast with the group I was paired with, as no one let the difficult course or the blazing heat prevent them from bringing their full selves and spirit. As a group we joked, laughed and sang “Sunroof” together as we played throughout the round. And to the fellow champions here in Silicon Valley, I cannot be prouder for the friends and teammates that formed it–from those who I’ve known for years at Rancho, but also to the new friends I had just met from Gilroy–I seriously cannot be prouder and happier to have been a part of such an excellent team to bring home the gold. I can’t wait to see what we are able to bring next year!”
Ben got to play alongside one of his best friends, which he says gave him extra confidence and helped him stay focused all day.
“I’m really grateful I had the chance to be part of the NorCal Tournament. It was awesome getting to play with someone from my own area because we already knew each other well and worked great as a team. That made me feel more confident, helped me stay focused, and made the whole experience even more fun. It was also really cool meeting and playing with golfers from different areas. Being paired with one of my best friends made it even more special. I learned a lot, met some great people, and made memories I won’t forget.”
Jesse admitted to some early nerves, unsure how tough the course or the competition would be.
“Seeing the golf course and all the players for the first time made me feel nervous because I didn’t know how difficult the course would be or how skilled the kids were. However, as the tournament went on, I became more comfortable, enjoyed playing each hole, and realized that almost everyone was there to have a good time. Meeting First Tee Participants from different chapters made the tournament experience exciting because it allowed me to connect with others who play golf and enjoy the small competitive atmosphere. One of the best parts of this tournament was playing alongside Ben; the conversations, encouragement, and fun we had together shaped this event to be more memorable and enjoyable.”
Congratulations to Jesse, Suri, Dakota, Ben, Adam, and Brady. Congratulations to all the chapters and chapter participants! Thank you for being respectful and resilient.
First Tee – Silicon Valley will host the cup next year and we look forward to having everyone from these other chapters out to our neck of the woods.
